Electron discharge device



Oct. 9, 1934... J. o. GARGAN ELECTRON DISCHARGE DEVICE Filed Sept. 9, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 9, 1934. J. o. GARGAN- 1,976,489

ELECTRON DISCHARGE DEVICE I i Filed Sept. Y9, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 37 I l i .d2

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Patented Oct. 9, 1934 UNHTED STATES `1,976,1.1239 ELEoTRoN DISCHARGE DEvrcE A John Owen Gargan, Brooklyn, N. Y., assigner to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New

York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application September 9, 1929, Serial No. 391,161l 18 claims. (ci. 25o-27.5)

This invention relates to electron discharge devices operating at high potentials and more particularly to the container for circulating a cooling medium around the device,` to dissipate the heat generated during operation.

In the operation of high power electron discharge devices, it is customary to cool the eX- ternal anode of the device with water or other medium which is circulated in a container surrounding the anode. This container must be :duid-tight and also embody a structure in which the electron discharge device may be readily removed in case of failure of the device. In the event of replacement the change must be made with dispatch, so that thesystem in which the device is used is not idle for any considerable period of time. Furthermore, it is particularly desirable to make replacement of the device in the container without damage to the fragile structure of the device. Y

An object of this invention is to facilitate the assembly and rapid removal of an electron discharge device in or from a. container without danger of breakage.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention the container comprises a cylindrical casing closed at one end except for suitable ports and provided with a cylindrical partition to separate the casing into inlet and outlet chambers for circulating the cooling fluid. The open end of the casing is provided with a seat chamber into which the electron discharge device is inserted and the flange on the device engages a removable ring at the bottom of the seat chamber. A split ring within the seat chamber engagesthe upper surface of the flange on the device and an annular dished closure member threaded to the casing presses the split ring to clamp the device in the casing and provide a fluid-tight joint. The split ring is provided with arms or pins which extend through the wallof the seat chamber so that this ring may-be separated manually when the closure member is loosened to allow free movement of the ring. This arrangement greatly facilitates the assembly and replacement of the electron discharge device in the container, since the only operations necessary are the insertion of the anode of the discharge device in the cavity formed in the casing until the flange rests on the removable ring at the bottom of the seat chamber. The split ring is joined by pushing in the pins projecting from the casing andthe closure member is then tightened to clamp the split ring against the anode flange. When re placement is necessary the closureV member is loosened to relieve the pressure on the split ring; the split ring is separated by manipulating the pins projecting froml the side of the casing and the device is removed and another inserted.

In another embodiment of theV invention the u split ring is automatically joined or separated by turning the threaded closure member on the casing. In this arrangement the split ring is provided with slotted extensions which are engaged by pins projecting from afriction ring attached to the dished portion of the closure member. When the pressure of this member on the split ring is relieved oy turning the closure member, the pins on the friction ring within the slotted extensions on the split ring 4separate the split ring upon further turning of the closure member. The split ring rides on tracks within the seatchamber and is moved toward the wall of the chamber so that the discharge device maybe readilyremoved from the container and another device inserted without diiiiculty.

The construction and operation of the device is best explained by reference tothe following detailed-description and the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a View in elevation partly in sectiori'to show the invention with the electron discharge device in place;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view showing in detail the seat chamber and the closure member;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view to show the relative positions of the split ring inr closed and open conditions; f

Fig. 4 is plan view of aV modified form of the invention in which the split ring is automatically operated; v

Fig. 5 illustrates in vertical cross-section the cooperation of the various elements in the modified device; y' f Fig. 6 is another view of the modified form showing a removable ring held in'place in the seatchamber and also showing the engagement of the pin `on the friction member with the slotted split ring; and

Fig; 7 is a perspective viewof the closure'mem ber showing the projecting pins on the friction, ring.

Referring to Fig. 1, an electron discharge de`` vice of the high voltage type is shown comprising an enclosing .vessel having an'insulatingportion l0 preferably ofglass and an extended' cup` shaped metal portion 11 which forms the anode of the device. The anode 11 is formed with an outwardly projecting annularV flange 12 Vwhich provides supporting means forfthe electron disgage Athe anode 11 and serve to center the elec-4.

tron discharge device and maintain it in its proper position. This container formsthe.subject-Lmat-i ter of a copending application of J. .0. Gargan and F. W. Young Serial No..2`52;633 I:tiled .'Februf ary 7, 1928, A seat chamber 21V is .formed at the open end of the container by an inwardly projecting flange 22 vand cylindrical wall 23, whichare formed integrally with the casing. The flange 22 has a groove in its base which accommodates aremovable vring l24 upon which lthe flange 12 .ofthe anode ..11 rests withna rubber gasket .25 .interposed between -the flange 12 .and ring .24.

An annularclosure or clamping member 26 hav- .ing an apertured-dishedportion.27 and an outwardly extending .portion 28 is -threaded `to the Wall23 of .the'seat chamber .2-1. The outwardly extending portion 28 on the closure .member forms .a hand wheel :to readily :turn the closure member. .In order :to facilitate turning of the rclosure.memberif .too tight .to be turned-by hand theouter .edge of .the portion 28 may beprovided With-spaced sockets 29-to accommodate a wrench, '.or--othertmeans :for rotating the closure member. Withinthe seatchamber2l -isa split ring 30 which encircles .a portion of `the electron :discharge ydevicendengages ;the.fiange '12 .on the anode portion. The-upper .edgefof the split ring -30 -is pron vided with a groove .31 ywhich accommodates a projecting lridge 32 on the dished portion .27' of the closure member, shown 'in detail :in Fig. 2. When the closure member is rotated ina clocklwise .direction the l.projecting ridge 32 Vcooperates with fthegroove 3,1 to clamp the split -ring30 to the flange 12 on the anode which is forced against thejgasket 25 and the ring 24. In this manner a uid tight vjoint is produced .between theseat chamber 21 and the container 13.

viIn zorderto prevent damage lto the :glass tportion of the enclosingyvessel andalso to facilitate `the readyand :rapid replacementof the electron dischargegdevice iin the container the split ring 30 in vaccordance with this invention, is :equipped withzfarms--aor pins 33 Which/extend outwardly through the wa1l.23 .of the Vseat chamberffand :are provided at their outer end with a knob 341to faeilitatefhandling `andfdisplacement o'f the split ring. There -is-thusprovided -readily accessible means whereby the two halves of the split ring may be moved :relative -to the .anode "from `the exteriorpf `the zcontainer.v When itis desired to remove .thedevice 'romthezcontainer the closure member zisrotated :sufficiently to :relievethe-pressure on the split ring 30 and .the two: parts of the -r-ing .may .thenfbe -separatedby merely pulling on the pins -33 .and drawing .them clear of the drawn from the container.

closed and open positions. Withthe closure member screwed down in place the split ring 30 is in the position indicated by the full lines and by bearing against the flange 12 of the anode holds the electron discharge device securely in the container. When the pressure exerted upon the split .ring isrelieved by turning the closure member the split ring 130 mayrbe moved outwardly, toward the wall 23 through the agency of the pins'33so that it is clear of the iiange l2. The electron discharge device may then be easily with- The apertiues 35 :shown :in .this figure are for accommodating screws orfboltsforrnounting the container.

','lhecompletestructure as presented in Figs. 1 .tor3 -inclusive 'is designed for manual movement of the split ring when it is desired to replace an electron discharge Vvdevice in the container. In order tordecrease the time required to make such replacements the aforementioned structure may be modified as shown in Figs. 4 to `7,inclusive, to automatically separate the split ring when the closure A.member 26 is rotated by rhand orwith .the aid of a wrench.` In accordance with vthis .embodiment of the invention .the splityring 36=is provided with slotted rextensions or shoes 3 7'which are formed integrally with one end of .each half ofthe ring and are located ondiametricallyop- .posite ends thereof. VThe slotted .extensions 37 are provided with a groove 38 'in the lower face thereof-which fits smoothly over parallelirails 39 mounted upon the inwardly projecting :ange 22 of `the seat chamber. The closure .member .26 is threaded to the wall 23 ,of the vseatV chamber 21 aspreviously'described and is provided with a wide groove 40 on the innergsurface `:of 'the dished portion27 of the closure member.. .The sidewalls of groove 40 areinclined to yreceive la compressible member or ring41v having 'taperededges which cooperate with the groovef40 to :form sa frictional nt therebetween. The :closure member with .the friction ring in position is .clearly shown A1in.:I*"ig. 7. The ring 41 carriesftwo oppositely'disp'osed downwardly extending pins 42 Vwhich are fastened to the ringyby extensions or sockets 43. v,The operation of the structure is `best under# stood by reference 'to Figs. l4, 5 and A6. The .two parts Vof the split fring 36-areiplace'diin separated position, as shown in dotted lines 'in Fig. '4, within the seat chamber so that .the extensions 3-7 arein engagement with .the .parallel tracks 39. 'The closure member is .then .threaded `to the casing until the pins Y42 slide over .the undercutvngers 44 of the :extensions 37gof the split ring '36, and bear against the vedge 45 thereof l'whereupon the pins 42 are Yin alignment with the'slots in'thefex-V tensions `37; The electron dischargede-vice Sis inserted in 'the container until the flange 12 lrests on the gasket 25. Rotation of the'closure mem-k ber causes the pins 42 to `bear against theshoulder 45 on the slotted extensions'37 and as a result the parts ofthe split ring 36 are moved inwardly until they `come in contact with lthe anode flange 12 oftheelectron discharge device. Further -rotation of .the closureY member causes-the friction ring the flange '12 yin'exactly the same `manner as 'del scribed heretofore. When it is desired to remove the discharge device the closure member is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. The pressure' on the split ring 36 is relieved and the pins-42A are 'free to move the slotted eXtensions`37-'along' the rails 39 and the split ring is separated and movedtoward the wall 23 of the seatchamber. This'removes all restraining forceson the flange 12 and the electron discharge device may be readily .removed and replaced.

When impurities are present in the. cooling medium in the container a crust forms on the anode l1 below the ring 24 which necessitates the removal of the latter. As shown in Fig. 6,fthe ring 24 may be readilyremoved when the discharge device cannot be withdrawn from the container due to its encrusted condition. The casing 13 and the flange 22 are provided with apertures extending at an angle through which screws 46 extend. The end of each screw 46 is provided with a tape-red portion 47 to engage the ring 24.l When the screws i6 are in place the tapered portion 47 bears firmly against the ring 24 so as to hold it securely in position. When it is desired to remove the ring 24 the screws 46 are removed and the ring 24' can be withdrawn from the casing with the encrusted anode.

What is claimed is: f

1. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising ,a casing enclosing `a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing engaging the portion of the device therein, said split ring being laterally movable within said'casing, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing detachably engaging said split ring,

and means mechanically coupled to said split ring for causing movement thereof away from and toward said portion.

2. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising a casing having a cavity for the reception of a portion of the said device, a seat chamber above said cavity, a clamping member having an aperture to allow free passage of the portion of the device in said cavity, a split ring in said seat chamber engaging a portion of said device, said split ring being spaced from the side walls of said chamber so that the parts thereof may be separated Within said chamber and being detachably engageable by said clamping member, and means coupled to said split ring for causing separation of the parts thereof to disengage said parts from said portion of said device when said clamping member is loosened.

3. A supporting container for an electron disf charge device comprising a casing enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing for engaging the portion of the device therein, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing detachably engaging said split ring, and

means coupled to said split ring and extending exteriorly of said casing for moving said split ring.

4. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing for enclosing a portion of the device therein, said split ring being laterally movable within said casing, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing threaded to said casing and engaging said split ring, and pins attached to said split ring projecting through the wall of said casing.

5. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing for engaging a portion of the device therein, said split ring being spaced from the side walls of said casing, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing engaging said split ring, and

4 means including members carried by said closure member for separating the parts of said split ring. 6. A supporting container. for an electron discharge device'including an enclosing vessel having a projecting support'thereon, comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a flange within said casing, an annular member carried byV said flange forming --a seat Afor said projecting support, means for securing said support against said annular member, and means independent of said first means extending through the Wall of` said casing for locking said annular member upon said flange.

7. A supporting container for an electron discharge device, comprising Va casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a'flange within said casing, a reducing ring in engagement with said flange for supporting said device, locking Ameans engaging said reducing ring, said looking means being accessible from the sidewall ofsaid casing, and means-for holding saiddevice upon said refducing ring; A :8. A supporting container for an electron discharge device, comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, -anfapertured flange extending inwardly irom'said casing, a split ring within said casing engaging `aportion ofthe device therein, the parts of said split ring-being separable within said casing, guidemeans mounted on saidl iiange for slidably carrying, and allowing separation of the parts of said split, ring and means for locking saidsplit;ringgagainst` said portion of said device. f. j, v

9. A supporting container for anelectron discharge device, comprising a casing `for enclosing a portion of the device, anapertured flange extending` inwardly fromr said` casing, a split ring within said casing enclosing a portion of the device therein, rails mounted on said flange for slidably carrying said split ring and means engaging said casing and ring for moving said split ring along said rails and locking said ring in position.

10. A supporting container for an electron discharge device, comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring within said casing enclosing a portion of the device therein, slotted extensions projecting from said split ring, guiding means within said casing engaging said slotted extensions and means for causing said split ring to lock said device in said casing.

11. A supporting container for an electron discharge device, comprising acasing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing enclosing a portion of the device therein, slotted extensions projecting from said split ring, an apertured flange projecting inwardly from said casing, means on said flange for slidably carrying said split ring, said means engaging said slotted extensions and means for holding said split ring in engagement with a portion of said device.

12. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring in said casing for engaging a portion of the device therein, slotted extensions projecting from said split ring, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing engaging saidsplit ring, a friction ring engaging the inner surface of said closure member, and means carried by said friction ring for engaging said slotted extensions.

13. A supporting container for an electron discharge device comprising a casing for enclosing a portion of the device, a split ring for engaging a portion of the device therein, slotted extensions on said split ring, an apertured closure member at one end of said casing engaging said split ring,

a friction ring "engaging the: inner su-rface'of said closure .memben Yandfpins projecting from said friction ringfor engaging said slotted. extensions. 14.21A supporting container for :an'electron dis.- charg'edevic'e comprising a casing enclosing a portion of the device, Aan annular seat .formed in said casing for supporting lan annular flange on said device, a plurality of radially Vmovable means including a split ring for engaging said Vannular flange, disposed on oppositefsides Y'of said casing adapted to be manually operated exteriorlto said casing for securing said device inengagement withsaid 'seat and permitting removal of said device from said casing,andlocking means engaging said split ring and casing.

i' 15. vIn combination; anelectricalV discharge device'inclu'ding an 'enclosing vessel having an ex# ternal anode portion, a'jacket `surrounding ysaid anode 'portion and havinga compartment adapt ed to'contain a coolingmedium, said jacket including a chamber above the coolingmedium con-ipartment,v said chamber having afianged portion adapted Vto support the discharge device, means' comprising Ya laterally slidable -contact member mounted' within" said chamber and adaptedl to engage saidanode portion of the device, 'vand a rotatable member mounted on a portion of @said chamber .for instituting lateral moves mentof said' slidable member. v .v

1'6I'In combination, an electricaldischarge device including anv enclosin'gve'ssel having an external anode portion, a jacket surroundingsaid anode-portion and vhaving a compartment adapted to contain a cooling medium, said vjacket in;

.1.' cluding a chamber above lthe cooling `medium compartment; saidchamber having a flanged portion `adapted to support, vthe discharge device,

.means comprising :a contact member mounted Within said chamber, said contact member beingV slidable at anangle to the-longitudinal axis of and adapted to engage said anode por-tion of the device, and a rotatable member vfor :closing said Chamberland simultaneously'controlling said slidable member. 17. 1n combination, an electrical discharge device including an enclosing vessel having an external anode portion,fa jacket surrounding said anodeportion'and having a compartment adapted to containa cooling medium, said jacket including av chamberl abovel the cooling medium compartment'saidI chamber having a ilanged portion adapted to support the discharge device, means comprising a radially slidable contact member mounted Within said chamber and adapted to engage said anode portion of the device, and an annular dished closure member engaging a` Wall of said chamber and the slidable member. 18. In combination, anfelectrical discharge de-l vice'including an enclosing KYvessel having an eX- ternal anode portion, `a jacketfsurrounding said anode portion and having 'a compartment adapted to 'contain a cooling medium, said rjacket including 'a chamber -above the coolingmedium compartment, said `chamber having a flanged por- 'tionA ladapted to support the discharge device, means comprising a Vplurality of laterally slidable contact membersmounted Within said cham'- ber'andfadapted to engage said anode portion Yof the device, and a rotatable membermoun'tedfon a portion `of said chamber and adapted' to institute lateral movement of said slidable members.

' JOHN OWEN GARGAN.' f' 

